Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1887-07-02
THE TEACHERS INSTITUTE.


convened in the Courthouse prompt
ly at 2 o'clock p. m. on Monday, June
10th, 1887.
The meeting was called to order by
Mr.. Butts and prayer offered by Rev.
William Hedges, a teacher of the
Berkeley corps.
State Supt. B. s. Morgan was intro
duced and in very pleasant manner
stated the objects of the institute.
He spoke at some length and his re-
marks were attentively received by
the teachers.
He said that every one, no matter
what his calling or profession, is either
magnifying or minifying the work in
which he is engaged and then dwelt
upon the importance of elevating and
magnifying the calling of the teacher.
Miss Jennie Shaffer and Messrs.
Geo. w. Van Metre and d. HI. Dodd
were then appointed secretaries and
proceeded to enroll the teachers pres
ent, who numbered at that time %
males and II females.
Prof. w. III. Payne, principal of the
State University at Ann Arbor, Michi-
gan, was then introduced, and after
some Introductory remarks, took up
the subject of School Management.
This subject, said he, includes three
things; viz, Organization, Discipline,
and Instruction. We must organize
a school in order that we may instruct
it; and we must discipline school in
order to preserve the organization.
He then defined the difference be-
tween exact discipline and harsh dis
cipline, commencing the former and
condemning the latter.
Then followed three observations !:
1st. TEACHING is causing pupils to
know, LECTURING or TELLING is per-
hitting the pupils to know.
I'd. TEST of good teaching is the
pupils's ability to reproduce in his
ownlanguagew what he has been taught.
Sd. That teaching is best which
causes to think most.
Prof. Payne said that in teaching
reading we must be sure that our pu-
pills have the idea intended to be con-
veyed, and that we should test their
knowledge of the subject by causing
them to tell in their own language
the substance Of what they have read.
This is the only sure test that they
have the idea.
Associations have much to do with
the training ofyouth. When we are
brought in immediate contact with
persons of good habits and cultured
minds, like piece ofiron lying near
a piece of well magntized steel, by
process of induction becomes also
magnetic, so we, also, become charged
with their powers of intellect and re-
finement. The fame of President
Garfield as a noble-hearted man is
principally due to his teacher, Mark
Hopkins with whom he was associ-
ated so long. It is duty then to see as
far as possible that the associations of
our pupils are of that character which
will render them better and better as
they in advance in life.
After short recess, DR.. M. A. New
ell, principal of the State Normal
School of Baltimore and Supt. of Md,
was next introduced.
After a short but pleasant talk for
the purpose of acquainting himself,
he gave the following literary gem, a
quotation from G.. G. Whittier to be
memorized by the teachers and recited
the next morning, thus practically
setting forth an example to the teach
ers in their work of teaching literature
and gems of thought. Heed how
thou Invest; do no act by day which
from the night shall drive thy peace
away. In months ofsun, so live that
months Of rain shall still be happy.
Evermore restrain Evil and cherish
Good so shall there be another and a
happier life for thee.
DIR. Newell then took up the subject
of spelling. This branch should be
taught in connection with reading and
principally by written process.
There is no oral spelling outside the
school.room.
LIST. Use the blackboard and crayon
because the letters are large.
2. Lead pencil and paper or slate
and pencil.
Sd. Paper and ink because the
letters cannot be erased.
Teachers should examine the work
done by the pupils themselves, and
should never permit an incorrect ex-
preston or wrong word to remain
upon the blackboard.
Typical words should first be taught
because they are more readily learned;
such words as the, and by must be
learned by mere force of memory.
The written method Is the best be-
cause the eye assists more than the
ear; besides, it is the only practical
way Of using this art.
Tuesday, I'd day.
The institute was called at O'Clock
a. m. and opened with prayer by Rev.
F. M. Wood.
The quotation from Whittier as
signed by DIR. Newell was then recited
in concert by the teachers after which
the roll was called and then followed
a lengthy and interesting talk by Prof.
Payne upon School Organization re-
viewing the work of Monday and add
ing much thereto. In speaking of the
accuracy of doing things he quoted
Bacon, Reading makes a full man /;
conversation, ready man writing
an exact man. When pupils do not
understand subjects taught, we should
illustrate by model, by a picture or
drawing, or by description, using no
more words than are just necessary /;
but before attempting to teach any
thing secure good organization and
the first point of observation of inn
portance is: The condition of the
school-room with respect to cleanli-
ness, ventilation, light, warmth, APP
paratus, and attractiyeness. The Pro-
fessor consumed some time in
the discussion of each topic of this
observation and rendered his remarks
clear and forcible to his hearers. He
dwelt upon the essential Importance
of each; we were glad there were pat
rons and school officers present to hear
his views upon this subject.
In speaking of VENTILATION he
said the proper temperature to keep
the room should be $50 to 7Oo and that
when it was necessary to cause fresh
flow of air into the room that the
children should be allowed to remain